Course Title: Environmental Analytical Chemistry License

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Environmental Analytical Chemistry License

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Graeme Allinson

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 3561

Course Coordinator Email: graeme.allinson@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 3 level 2 Room 23


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

Environmental Analytical Chemistry License has been designed to match industry expectations of a person in the environmental sector using chemical analytical data in their work. This course will teach students how to systematically solve monitoring problems and understanding of the limitations of data acquired as opposed to simply acquiring knowledge. In other words, develop capability not just capacity.

The coursework consists of a series of online modules providing students with the basics of environmental analytical chemistry, and laboratory workshops.in which students will learn to use an analytical method relevant to their wider studies and/or career aspirations.

This course provides training in cutting edge chemical analytical techniques. It is particularly suited to graduates who wish to upgrade their knowledge of chemical analysis, and provides an in-house qualification (‘license’) that allows students to apply their knowledge ‘hands-on’ within RMIT’s chemical analytical laboratory. On successful completion, students will have:

  • Developed advanced knowledge and skills in chemical analytical techniques and be able to apply this to a professional workplace;
  • Developed an understanding of enquiry-based learning and demonstrate analytical skills;

At the end of this activity, industry, RMIT laboratory staff and supervisors will be assured that the student can use analytical equipment as per house rule to standard with minimal supervision


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

On successful completion of this course you should be able to:

CLO 1:  Identify and understand the needs of environment professionals in a range of chemical data contexts (PLO 1,2)

CLO 2:  Demonstrate knowledge of regulatory requirements for the protection of the environment in the development of a project proposal (PLO 2)

CLO 3:  Prepare professional documents (analytical plans) in selected project contexts (PLO 1,3,4)

CLO 4:  Establish an environmental analytical chemistry plan for a selected project context (PLO 1,2,3,4,5,7)

CLO 5:  Assess the issues related to the design and implementation of the plan, including background, methods, budget, logistics, ethics, and safety, and consolidate this information into your project plan (PLO 2,3,4,5,6,7)

CLO 6:  Work effectively, responsibly, ethically and safely in an individual or team context (PLO 7)


This course contributes to the development of the following Program Learning Outcomes at AQF level 9:

PLO 1.1   A body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in environmental science and the technological advances related to measurement techniques, remediation processes and pollution control

PLO 1.3   Knowledge of the regulatory frameworks and ethical principles relevant to environmental science and development of associated technologies.

PLO 2.1   Cognitive skills which demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge about environmental processes enabling critical reflection on environmental theory and professional practice or scholarship

PLO 2.4  Communication and technical research skills to enable you to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non specialist audiences

PLO 2.5  Technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse and theorise about developments that contribute to environmental professional practice or scholarship

PLO 3.1  Creativity and initiative to new situations in your role as an environmental professional practitioner and/or in your further studies

PLO 3.2  High level personal autonomy and accountability

PLO 3.3  Due regard to ethical conduct, the law and the safety of yourself and others around you.


Overview of Learning Activities

The learning activities will consist of

  1. A series of online modules that include topics including:
  • An overview of the roles of professional environmental chemists scientists in the environment industry (CLO 1)
  • Environmental governance and water quality limits in Australia (CLO 2)
  • Introduction to environmental sampling (CLOs 1,2)
  • Introduction to sample preparation (CLOs 1,2)
  • Introduction to theory and practice of analytical methods for inorganic chemicals, e.g. nutrients, metals (CLOs 1,2)
  • Introduction to theory and practice of analytical methods for organic chemicals (CLOs 1,2)
  • Limitations of analytical data (CLO 1)
  1. Preparation of a chemical analytical method proposal you're your project (CLOs 3,4,5,6)
  2. Individual workshops with experienced analytical chemists, including:
  • Carry out a standard operating procedure (SOP) using designated equipment and demonstrate experimental competence in chosen topic area by safely producing reliable and reproducible results (CLOs 3, 4, 5, 6)
  • Develop and implement analytical method under supervision using designated equipment and demonstrate experimental competence in chosen topic area by safely producing reliable and reproducible results (CLOs 3, 4, 5, 6)
  1. Preparation of a professional reflection on your project work experience. (CLO 1)

Total study hours

This activity is expected to consist of at least 120 hours over one semester.

You will spend an average of 5 hours per week for the semester completing the online content module and attending the individual workshops. You are also expected to spend approximately 5 hours per week on private research, document preparation, assignment preparation and reporting.


Overview of Learning Resources

A range of information and resources will be available on myRMIT Blackboard. You will also need to seek out information e.g. texts, journals and resources relevant to your topic through the RMIT library and other sources as well as data sourced at workshops and site visits.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment

 

Assessment Task 1:  (Completion of online learning modules)

Weighting 30%

This assessment task supports CLO 1

Assessment Task 2 (demonstrate laboratory competence)

Weighting 50% 

This assessment supports CLOs 1,2,3,4,5,6

Assessment Task 3 (refection report)

Weighting 20% 

This assessment supports CLOs 1,2,3,4,5,6

 

All assessment tasks are submitted through a Turnitin folder and/or Blackboard; feedback is provided through that portal including task scores